Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, Under the War Memorial we go...(Co-DM JonathanT) 15d6=56 ; Monday January 12th, 2015 11:54:41 AM Beri ask Bosk if he is alright and comments that they are now two pairs of traps away from their exit. When Bosk is ready to test the third pair of statues, he calls out 'Go Bosk! then crouches to prepare the dash past the statues once Bosk does his thing.
Tink also extends her moral support to Bosk for his sacrifice.
Sesha tries to keep a positive 'light' on things by giggling and promising potions of Energy Protection for everyone when they get back. Casting 'Guidance', she feels her magic work just fine.
Restlin calls out 'Good luck, buddy!' as Bosk prepares to rund past the 3rd pair of statues. He places a 2 gold piece bet that it will be fire this time.
Garret applauds Bosk and gets ready to follow through.
Trellus keeps within 20' of Bosk to give him the energy resistance from his spell.
Bosk, as well as Restlin, is betting on Fire being the next elemental force to engulf him and pours some water on his fur before charging forward with 'Time to beat the heat!' battle cry.
No one takes Restlin up on his bet and their suspicions prove true as searing hot flames blast across the plane from statue to statue. The nature of the magic involved is the same as the two before and the two statues cease their magical glow (at least for now) when the it is over.
Bosk: Ref Save DC22, damage 28 fire + 28 other (Knowledge Arcana DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: {Half the damage is Electrical (56/2 = 28) half is divine not subject to fire resistance.} for total of 56. Save for 14 fire damage + 28 other. SR applies
As far as Statue Traps go, this is the last pair. What lies before the IA is a room. It is fairly big and a 1-foot high raised platform occupies its center. In the center of that raised floor section is a 5' tall urn or amphorae. Just like in the hallway, the walls, floor and ceiling radiate powerful magic.
The raised platform also radiates magic, although not all that powerful, and so does the amphorae.
Map note: I've only moved Bosk forward but understandably the others rushed past the 3rd pair too. Next map will have grid co-ordinates. Make sure you tell me exactly where you want your PC and what he/she wants to do.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/9 d20+24=42 ; Monday January 12th, 2015 5:00:40 PM
Restlin strolls past the last pair of statues.
"Hopefully, there's a way out of this place that isn't through those statues. That, or hopefully there's something on this side we can use to deactivate them." To that end, he looks around, trying to find a switch, button, or anything else.
Perception: 42
DM JT: please describe 'looking around'. Like, standing in one spot and looking around or walking around looking?
(Are Bosks Hp's up to date? Need to know if you need healin.)
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 47 of 103 Spells d20+12=19 ; Monday January 12th, 2015 8:26:46 PM
Just got home. Reflex save failed. HP updated. I will post after I make my DM posts.
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22)(MgcVstmtx2, EndrElmnts, Status) 3d8+5=18 ; Monday January 12th, 2015 8:38:51 PM
ooc - Bosk has Resistance 5 to fire due to Trellus' Aura of Protection. So 5 hp back there.
The cleric grimaces again as the sheet of flames engulf the minotaur. Thanks to the Status spell, Trellus has pretty good idea of what hurts.
He flies over the rest of the group, and around the pillar to get in touch range of Bosk, and taps him with his healing wand. heal Bosk for 18 hp
"Let's get everyone on this side, but not go in quite yet. At least till we got Bosk healed up."
The blond man is on the other side of the pillar from his current position, again on the far right.
-------------- Spells in effect: - Magic Vestment (Extended) on shield and armor. Duration 26 hrs, +3 enhancement bonus each - Endure Elements. Duration 24 hours. No fortitude checks needed for hot environment. - Status (Extended) on Katinka, Garret, Bosk, and Beriothian. Duration 26 hrs. - Telepathic Bond (from Katinka) - Katinka, Sesha, Beriothian, and Restlin. Duration 2 hrs - Aura of Protection - All within 30' gain +2 deflection bonus to AC and Resistance 5 for all energy types. Duration 4 of 12 rounds.
Spell List: Highlight to display spoiler: { d - domain spell ^ - recast using pearl of power * - cast
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] d20+21=39 ; Monday January 12th, 2015 9:10:51 PM
Garret sniffs the air after Bosk runs through the fire and says, "Hey, is anyone else suddenly hungry?" He winks as Bosk as he steps past the statues. When the others mention the magic, Garret continues, "You know, I can do some stuff with some things, but magic isn't my bag, if you know what I mean.
Garret remains in the hallway, past the last pair of statues, but looks across the room (perception: 39).
OOC: Are there any other visible exits from the room, or any other features on the walls that Garret can see from the hallway without entering the room?
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 d20+20=40 ; Monday January 12th, 2015 9:12:49 PM
Kyan moves up to just at the end of the hallway and peers out in the room.. he gets down low to the ground and looks at the floor to inspect for any raised plates or the like.. generally just looking for any more traps.
(Perception: 40 to search for traps)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+27=32 ; Monday January 12th, 2015 9:36:45 PM "I've a fair idea that there are more traps in this room. And whatever is in the centre is our goal. Let me try something..." Tink looks about carefully, but does not step into the room just yet.
"Servant, please pickup that urn"
(An Unseen Servant has a Str score of 2 and can pickup 20lbs)
Perception: 32
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Monday January 12th, 2015 10:07:09 PM
Beri dashes past the statues once it is safe. I wonder if there is some switch somewhere to turn these stupid things off. I wonder why they went through all the trouble set up this corridor. Oh, are we already grabbing for that urn? Well, I hope Bosk has had a chance to catch his breath.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=33 ; Tuesday January 13th, 2015 12:11:58 AM
Steam rises off the horned cleric like a living shadow exeuding from his fur. Bosk quickly shakes the remainder of the now scalding water off, and is glad to see that his precautions prevented too much singing. A moment later he feels the blisters on his skin begin to subside as Trellus begins healing him. Thanks for that. I knew it was coming, but it is still a shock to the system when it hits. The cleric then pputs a hand upin his holy symbol and begins to pray, giving back some of his magic for the day in exchange for cure spells. As his wounds begins to heal the blond taur stands where he is, taking in his surroundings checking calls, floor and ceiling for danger. He also is careful to look out for any other traps that may be awaiting them, including pit traps, pressure plates and things that might drop from the ceiling.
As Tink begins to command her unseen servant he stops her. I fear that you are right about the room being trapped. Let us prepare ourselves first. I have a hunch we would benefit from any additional protection we can get, jut incase something is summoned to attack us this time. We should also let someone with magical sight check the area first incase there is something invisible waiting for us. Seeing how much divine damage had been done to him the cleric casts protection from good on himself as well as another protection from energy spell. He then draws his sword and signals to Tink that he is ready.
ooc: can you guestimate the weight of the urn for us? Is it within the unseen servant's weight limit? Actions ------------------------------------------- Pereption = 23 (including ceiling) Perception for traps = 33 Converting Detect Chaos/Evil/Good/Law, Hide from Undead, Rose's Temperature Control into healing spells (healed to full HP) (I also forgot I had 5 fire resistance from my scroll)
DM Info Highlight to display spoiler: {-------------------------- Sacred Tattoo on Back: -- Watchful: avenger cannot be flanked. Blind Fighting (In melee, every time you miss because of concealment, an invisible attacker gets no advantages related to hitting you in melee, you don't lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class, and the attacker doesn't get the usual +2 bonus for being invisible. You do not need to make Acrobatics skill checks to move at full speed while blinded) Ghost Touch, TWF, Improved TWF, Multiattack, a natural weapon (my horn) and a 10 ft reach Immune to fear, Immune to some poisons Two weapons have poison applied: BLUE WHINNIS poison to his left horn cap and MEDIUM SPIDER VENOM to his flail
Active Spells ---------------------- Protection from Enery Protection from Good Endure Elements Chill Touch until discharged (8 charges) Death Watch (Permanent)
Spell List (Pearl of Power - NOT used yet) ---------------------- Legacy Item Spells: Death Watch (Permanent), Dark Vision, Feather Fall (CL 1), See Invisibility (CL 3) Domain Spells: True Strike, Locate object, Fly (Used Dimension door) Level 0: Detect Victim, Detect Magic, Chill Touch, Detect Poison Level 1:Protection from Evil, (Detect Chaos/Evil/Good/Law, Hide from Undead, Rose's Temperature Control used) Level 2: Silence, Summon Monster II, Level 3: Invisibility Purge, Summon Monster III, (and one unprepared) Level 4: Summon Monster IV (and one unprepared)
Channel Energy: All channeling used for the day Dark Walk: 1 minute left Agile Feet: 5 uses left }
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, Under the War Memorial we go...(Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday January 13th, 2015 12:54:47 AM
The Iron Adventurers advance past the last pair of statues. Burned Taur hair permeates the underground hallway and doesn't look like it will clear for quite some time, centuries maybe. Weary of more traps, they pause and make sure Bosk is healed up some and take a look around before continuing into the 60' x 60' room.
Restlin looks for some switch or button that might turn the statues off so they don't have to go through this again on their way out. He sees none. The walls are plain, smooth, stone. There are no decorations and no protrusions or bumps. If there is some switch mechanism it must be well hidden and will require a more detailed search.
Trellus heals Bosk up some and awaits further instructions before venturing into the room.
[d]Garret's[/b] nose catches whiffs of bbq on the grill and quips 'Hey, is anyone else suddenly hungry?' while winking at Bosk. But magical traps and stuff is not his strong point and he remains in the hallway until further investigations. He does not see any other exit than the one they used to get down there.
Kyan also looks around, peering from floor level to see if there are any floor sections not 'on the level', so to speak. The floor is as flat as a floor should be.
Katinka also suspects more traps and sends her Unseen Servant into the room. Figuring that the amphorae in the center of the room is their goal, she sends the Unseen Servant over to it and ask it to pick up the amphorae.
The Unseen Servant scoots across the room unhindered, steps up onto the 1' raised floor section and moves over to the amphorae without incident. However it cannot pick it up. With the light shining upon it, it is now evident that the amphorae is made of lead and the lid is sealed shut. It weighs a good bit more than the 20lbs the Unseen Servant can lift.
Beri also ponders the existence of some switch to turn off the magical traps, and even goes as far as contemplating the reasoning behind the traps in the first place.
Now that the IA are much closer to the platform and amphorae, and a light source is in the middle of the room proper, the IA notice that the platform is covered in runes that look like various Symbol spells, but a path to the amphorae without stepping on a rune square does exist. The Unseen servant had traipsed across the runes without incident. Of course, this doesn't really mean much considering that it had passed the statues without incident also.
The amphorae is of simple make with no visible markings and made of lead and sealed with a lead lid.
With all visual means of finding a switch mechanism to turn off the traps exhausted, the IA are poised in the hallway awaiting the brave volunteer to enter the room and do a more thorough search as well as investigate the room's center piece.
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, Under the War Memorial we go...(Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday January 13th, 2015 12:59:43 AM
DM JT addendum: Bosk's post and mine got crossed but I think nothing changes. His checking for traps goes the same way as the others. What's the weight of a 5' tall lead amphorae? Someone google that.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+27=38 ; Tuesday January 13th, 2015 2:51:00 AM
Tink quickly does some math "Ok, lets assume that urn is made of regular lead. Say a pure 1 cubic foot of lead was used, and fashioned to make it and the urn has something light inside it. It would weight over 700lbs when finished. Yep, no way the unseen servant is lifting that."
Tink will have a look around the surfaces of the room she can see. The floors, walls and ceiling. She's looking for any markings or symbols that may give a clue as to a safe passage.
Perception: 38. If we are taking our time though, I could feasibly Take20 for a 47?
OOC: Google says 1 cubic ft of lead weighs around 700lbs. Yikes!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/9 Tuesday January 13th, 2015 10:46:57 AM
"Probably no way I'm lifting it either," thinks the wizard to himself. Restlin casts a simple detect magic osiron and looks about. Stepping anywhere could be disasterous in here, but could they simply fly over to where they needed to be? Was there any magic in the space around the center that could possibly detect a flying adventurer?
OOC: I'm having a tough week. Posts won't be long, but I'll get them up.
Sesha [AC 28 /18 Touch/24 Flat] | HP 101/88 | CMD 19][See Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Detect Thoughts] d20+22=36 ; d100=92 ; Tuesday January 13th, 2015 10:59:30 AM
Encouraged by the fact magic is working again, Sesha gets herself all ready to heal up Bosks varied wounds, only to be a little dissapointed when everyone else jumps in and heals them up!
With a shrug, she once again tries her immortal summons spell... half hoping she finds herself face to face with the ghost-drow once more.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Tuesday January 13th, 2015 6:09:31 PM
Garret steps back as the others look and describe the room. He says, "700 pounds? Who could lift that? And why? Perhaps it is not meant to be lifted at all. It has a lid, right? Maybe whoever put it here had a team to put it in place, then put whatever is in it, in it, then they sealed it. And what is it, anyway?"
He thinks for a moment then continues, "Yes, that must be it. We are not supposed to lift it, but simply open it to find what is inside. Now what do all the runes on the floor mean? Are they Tecurai?"
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22)(MgcVstmtx2, EndrElmnts, Status) Tuesday January 13th, 2015 9:10:19 PM
A voice in the back calls out, "Hey Katinka, maybe a Detect Evil spell on that urn? Before we do anything totally sunbaked like trying to open it?"
-------------- Spells in effect: - Magic Vestment (Extended) on shield and armor. Duration 26 hrs, +3 enhancement bonus each - Endure Elements. Duration 24 hours. No fortitude checks needed for hot environment. - Status (Extended) on Katinka, Garret, Bosk, and Beriothian. Duration 26 hrs. - Telepathic Bond (from Katinka) - Katinka, Sesha, Beriothian, and Restlin. Duration 2 hrs - Aura of Protection - All within 30' gain +2 deflection bonus to AC and Resistance 5 for all energy types. Duration 5 of 12 rounds.
Spell List: Highlight to display spoiler: { d - domain spell ^ - recast using pearl of power * - cast
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Tuesday January 13th, 2015 9:20:26 PM Wow, that thing looks solid. What do you think is in it? I hope that the walls of it are thin, otherwise that thing would be a pain to lift... it may just be easier to take the contents out of it, assuming it's not liquid or something.
ooc: I really want to see a cubic foot of lead in person now
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 Tuesday January 13th, 2015 10:54:20 PM
"remeberr, lift with your groin," Kya yells out as helpful advice t the unseen servant. ".. Do they have a groin?"
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Tuesday January 13th, 2015 10:55:54 PM
Bosk clears his throat as Garret speaks. ...I can lift and additional 700lbs in addition to my gear, but I hope it hollow and weighs less. Also, we should not open it. Lead is good for blocking spells and trapping things. What if something unpleasant is trapped inside. Do we want to fight it asfter having used so many of our spells?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday January 13th, 2015 11:25:13 PM "Perhaps if someone had an Augury spell prepared we could learn whether opening the urn would be a good or bad thing?" Tink muses. It's not a spell she has the ability to cast, but between two clerics and a bloodwitch, hopefully someone else has the capability.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Wednesday January 14th, 2015 12:18:14 AM
Bosk turns to Tink and tries to act humble, I did not prepare that spell today, but I try not to be greedy and do not ask for all of my spells at once. I still have a spells few available if you do not mind waiting..
ooc: I believe it will take 15 minutes prepare an additional spell. Keep in mind the statues might recharge durring that time...and Bosk is just acting humble, it was calcualtion and foresight that caused him not to prepare all his spells in advance. To many occasions where that necessary spell was not prepared.
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, Under the War Memorial we go...(Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday January 14th, 2015 12:22:11 AM Katinka does some quick calculations and figures the urn to weigh some 700lbs. Far more than her poor Unseen Servant can handle. The walls, ceiling, and floor are bare or any symbols. The 20' x 20' raised platform is however covered in runes. She does notice a narrow path that one can navigate to the urn without stepping on a rune.
Dex check DC15 to navigate the path without stepping on a rune.
Of course, for those that don't have to touch the ground, there's that option too, if one dares try, which is a thought Resltin[/i] has.
The floor immediately around the amphorae is clear of runes, enough space for one person to stand each side of the thing.
[b]Sesha sees that magic still works and attempts her Immortal Summons spell again but just like the first time, it fizzles. Obviously some spells work while others don't. Upon her second try she gets the feeling the magic in the walls, celing, and floor are designed to block any summoning.
That could be a good thing.
Garret ponders the utility of a 700lb amphorae in a place like this. He proposes that maybe it's not the urn itself but what is in it that is important. Which raises the question 'What IS in it?'.
The runes on the floor are not Teucri but Symbols, the magical kind that can bring all sorts of pain, death, pain, insanity, pain, and more death if disturbed.[/b]
For those with Arcane Sight: Highlight to display spoiler: {Although the symbols are clearly the sort described above, the magic aura does not seem to radiate the power such symbols are known to radiate.}
Trellus suggests a Detect Evil spell on the urn. You never know...
While Beri hopes its construction is thin, even if so, a 5 foot high amphorae of lead would still weigh a lot. A better option her surmises is to just take the contents and leave the urn. He then has an epiphany that perhaps they DON"T want to open it.
Kyan still trys to get the Unseen Servant to budge the urn. Already holding a lantern with one 'hand', it seems a very unlikely event.
An Augury spell is suggested by Katinka.
The IA take a few moments to decide what to do. A hasty decision could be disastrous. But, at some point, a decision must be made. Open it? Don't open it? How can anyone know that?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday January 14th, 2015 3:52:31 AM "I can see a path through the runes to safely reach the urn. Might be tricky to navigate though" she will point it out to the group.
"And a Detect Evil spell would certainly be useful right now, Trellus, but I'm afraid it's not a spell I have prepared. Where's a paladin when you need one? I could perhaps summon a creature that could ..." Tink's voice trails off as she recalls that her earlier summoning spell failed.
She takes a moment to think.
"Clearly the urn is the item of interest in this room. If, and that's a big if, we want to open it - perhaps we could stretch some chain around it and pull from the safety of the floor? If someone wants to get close to it, then I'm not sure I can help much. It's far too heavy for me to lift it. I may be able to offer some protective spells to whoever is able to though"
"Perhaps we could use a stone shape spell to provide a loop of stone in the ceiling. We could pass a rope through over the urn and lift it that way."
He takes a good look at the lid on that urn. Is there a place to securely tie something to it?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday January 14th, 2015 8:49:51 AM "Hmmm.... I do have a Knock spell prepared. That may be able to open it. On the other hand, I do have a Shrink Item spell prepared too, so may be able to shrink it down to a manageable size"
"I mean, is this what they wanted and were digging for? I gotta say, this reminds of the time a chit machine charged out of nowhere and ate that lady."
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, she pulls out two green scales and lights a stick of incense from her pack, one with a black "x" drawn on it in charcoal to symbolize "woe".
"These are from the dragon that killed me.", she says to no one in particular.
"Little Spirit, we now seek your guidance. We seek the Teucri. There is an urn in the middle of this room that may help lead to them, or may be filled with danger. If we open this urn, will it bring us weal or woe?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/9 Wednesday January 14th, 2015 1:56:30 PM
"Wait, you were killed by a dragon? SO WAS I!" Restlin exclaims. "Mine was blue, and he turned out to not be so bad. I mean, he was evil, but not bad, you know?" Then he notices Sesha is busy and decides to let her finish.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] d20+22=26 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+22=35 ; Wednesday January 14th, 2015 2:59:42 PM
Garret shrugs and heads back into the room with the statues. Without crossing the edge of the first statue line, he'll start carefully searching the wall, floor, ceiling, and area near the statues to see if there is any kind of secret, well, anything. He's looking for a secret entrance or a way to turn those statues off.
Perception: 26, 37, 38, 27, 35
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22)(MgcVstmtx2, EndrElmnts, Status) Wednesday January 14th, 2015 6:43:33 PM
"No worries," Trellus answers Katinka, "i got one. Just need to weave a way to see the...."
The cleric flies upward as much as needed to be able to see the urn over top of his comrades. He casts a Detect Evil spell, and concentrates on the urn.
-------------- Spells in effect: - Magic Vestment (Extended) on shield and armor. Duration 26 hrs, +3 enhancement bonus each - Endure Elements. Duration 24 hours. No fortitude checks needed for hot environment. - Status (Extended) on Katinka, Garret, Bosk, and Beriothian. Duration 26 hrs. - Telepathic Bond (from Katinka) - Katinka, Sesha, Beriothian, and Restlin. Duration 2 hrs - Aura of Protection - All within 30' gain +2 deflection bonus to AC and Resistance 5 for all energy types. Duration 6 of 12 rounds.
Spell List: Highlight to display spoiler: { d - domain spell ^ - recast using pearl of power * - cast
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Wednesday January 14th, 2015 9:52:41 PM I have stoneshape prepared, but I don't know that the spell will be worth using. If the thing is 700 pounds we are going to have a hard time lifting it with a rope. Shrinking it is a good idea though. Do we all want to go get it? Should we park the safe path with bread crumbs or something in case we need to make a fast retreat?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday January 14th, 2015 11:30:49 PM "If we decide to shrink it, I'm prepared to be the one to go get it. Probably safer to only have one person risk it, and I'm the one with the spell" Tink exhales deeply. It's not something she is keen on doing, but she has come to trust the others to watch her back.
"They really are a good group" she smiles to herself.
Pondering an old lead amphorae. Where's the Antique Roadshow when you need it?(Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday January 15th, 2015 1:29:49 AM Katinka points out a narrow path through the runes and laments not being able to summon something to risk traversing through it. She offers protective spells for anyone willing to try.
She offers other options as well, like a Knock spell to open the lid or a Shrink Item spell on the urn to make it more managable. However, in afterthought, since the urn radiates strong magic, the shrink spell may not work as it is limited to non-magical items.
Restlin suggests a stone shape spell to create a way to loop a rope through the ceiling where they could lift the urn. Tying a noose around the 'neck' of the urn would suffice to secure it for such a task.
Sesha asks 'I mean, is this what they wanted and were digging for?' and the Chit Machine comes to mind.
DM JT Note: the Chit Machine didn't really charge 'out of nowhere'. The thieves were in its 'lair', remember? LOL.
She finds a spot on the floor and starts a ritual to open up a line of communication with her Little Spirit.
Restlin finds out he and Sesha have something rare in common, both having been killed by a dragon. What a great pick-up line! 'You were killed by a dragon too?'
Garret lets the others ponder the urn and busies himself with searching the hallway between the last pair of statues and the urn room for anything, hidden or otherwise, that might be a switch to turn off the magical traps. His search is fruitless despite intense scrutiny of every inch.
Trellus is eager to help out and happily announces he can cast Detect Evil. He flies upwards to get a clear line of sight to the urn and does so. He concentrates real hard on the urn but detects no evil aura.
DM JT Note: Trellus' level (experience) would indicate that he would know that the spell can be blocked by 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt.
At least he knows that the urn itself isn't evil.
Beri suggests marking the 'safe' trail with bread crumbs and attempting to lift it, as he can cast a stone shaping spell to crate a hook in the ceiling from which to do so.
Katinka is prepared to brave the path to the urn, all she needs is the go ahead.
Meanwhile, Sesha communes with Little Spirit, or at least tries to. She does manage to create the link but it is blurry. The spells on the walls are very strong and prevents Little Spirit from communicating clearly. Sesha ask: '"Little Spirit, we now seek your guidance. We seek the Teucri. There is an urn in the middle of this room that may help lead to them, or may be filled with danger. If we open this urn, will it bring us weal or woe?'
Little Spirit's reply feels strained and is a bit garbled but the gist seems to be that, in her opinion, opening the urn can bring both, weal and woe.
One thing is for sure. The Gaeli party was determined to get to the urn and would not hesitate to open it.
The IA have a couple of plans now. Try to move it off the Rune Platform or open it where it stands. Which will it be? What's Stage Two of the Plan?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday January 15th, 2015 3:19:20 AM "We can't stay here forever." Tink pauses before continuing "I volunteer to open it"
"I am not as strong a warrior as the rest of you, and without my summons to aid me down here, the least I can do is put myself in harms way for the benefit of the party"
She looks to the rest of the group for a consensus to proceed.
Sesha [AC 28 /18 Touch/24 Flat] | HP 101/88 | CMD 19][See Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Detect Thoughts] d20+22=28 ; d100=19 ; Thursday January 15th, 2015 10:31:18 AM
Sesha smiles and gives her a small shove towards the urn.
"It's okay! If you die, I'll bring you back! I can do it twice, actually. Three times, if we wan't to snub ol' Gargul, but I think I'm the only Witch not wearing his holy symbol that's on his good side, and I don't want to push that. I owe him a lot for letting Serenbeth stick around on my behalf."
She grins and channels an endurance spell, bulking up Katinka slightly.
"So just don't die three times before I can get to you, Katinka the Justicar."
Bears Endurance on Katinka Bend Leyline: 28 vs 21 ( Net leycheck bonus of 7) Leycheck: 26 = success. Slot expended.
(Ooc to party. Dont forget our Heroes Feast. It's still going as far as I know. It had an 18 hour duration and was cast at suppertime.
The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
(Sesha rolled for 13 temp hp to the party. Also, as a side note, I never realized Katinka had a familiar! A black cat even! Varsuvius and her raven come to mind.)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/9 Thursday January 15th, 2015 11:43:51 AM
OOC: I was thinking to tie the rope around the LID of the urn, not the whole urn.
"Wait, we're going to let her do this? If anyone should do it, it's me. I have a reputation for needing to be saved anyway." When he sees Sesha cast spells to protect Tink, he guesses it's going to happen.
"Someone tie a rope to her so we can pull her back to us should we need to, at least." It's obvious Restlin is not pleased with this idea.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Thursday January 15th, 2015 3:15:18 PM
Bosk shakes his head. These walls rediate magic. We could start by havng the unseen servant try to remove the lid. If that doesn't work we can try lifting the lid off manually. I have good dexterity and should ba able to make it to the alter safely. I also can use my dark walk ability for added protection.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/9 Thursday January 15th, 2015 6:03:26 PM
Restlin pokes Bosk square in the chest. "Oh no you don't. Every time we volunteer for something dangerous, you unilaterally shut it down. You're not the only one who gets to be heroic around here, mister."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Thursday January 15th, 2015 7:13:04 PM
Garret looks from one hero to the other and says, "We could just flip a coin and whoever wins... well... doesn't win..."
He continues, thinking out loud, "If we open it in here, whatever is in it might be protected by the magic, or we might be protected from it by the magic. So if we open it outside, well, we might be better or worse off. In that case, I say let's go ahead and open that baby right here and see what happens!"
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22)(MgcVstmtx2, EndrElmnts, Status) Thursday January 15th, 2015 9:25:00 PM
Trellus shakes his head. "Too much lead. I can't get a good read on if whatever could be inside is evil or not."
With pretty much everybody volunteering to run over and pull off the lid, the new guy can't really do much other than wait for a resolution. So he waits.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Thursday January 15th, 2015 11:32:09 PM I was not trying to be heroic, just polite. What sort of a man would let a lady put herself in danger without even offering to do so in her place? My father always told me never to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself, and I live by that. I meant no disrespect to Tink. I just worry something is living in that urn and she does not have very thick armor... If she wants to open it she can, but I would like to be there as well. Bosk waits to see what the others will do. Although it is true that he does not like the idea of putting a woman or someone smaller than himself in danger, he is also very curious as to what is in the lead jar.
ooc: Bosk grew up on Minotaur Island where there was a different code. "Might = Right", disagreements were settled in a kaleb / fight. His code of ethics wouldn't allow him to let a woman put herself in harms way without at least offering. He also has some pride issues and concern with his good name ever since his family name was dragged through the mud (he actually failed his first Avenger initiation because of Pride). I don't care who goes, but it would be counter to my personality not to offer, especially since they are volunteering because they feel weak or useless. If I had to pick, I would actually suggest Garret because of his very high AC, touch AC and HP, unless someone has magic resistance. I am kind of suspecting something to be released from the jar or the walls to fill the room with fire, water, etc.
Pondering an old lead amphorae. Where's the Antique Roadshow when you need it?(Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday January 15th, 2015 11:47:44 PM
DM JT OOC: early post tonight since I've got to be up by 3am for work.
DM JT IC: A polite argument as to who should get the privilege to go open the lead amphorae ensues. It seems the idea of trying to stoneshape the ceiling into a hook to be used with a rope to lift it seems abandoned. The lid itself has not ring or hook to attach a rope. As a matter of fact, as they study the amphorae for such a task it is seen that the lid is welded shut. It won't be a simple matter of just lifting the lid either. Some effort to break the seal will be needed.
Tink remains ready to venture onto the platform, as does Restlin and Bosk. Tink can barely reach the lid and probably won't have any leverage to do much good if she remains floating. At least there's room to stand around the urn without touching a rune.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Friday January 16th, 2015 12:20:03 AM
ooc: If Tink wants to open it Bosk can lift her up or let her ride on his shoulders.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Friday January 16th, 2015 4:47:51 AM
Tink's shoulders droop as she realises the lid of the urn is welded shut. It will take more than scrawny halfling arms to open that.
"No apologies necessary, Bosk. Looking at it clearly now, I don't think I can open it by myself anyway. I would be pleased to help you though. Perhaps some acid darts will help eat through the weld, or Roses Temperature Control to try and help melt it away while you pull on the lid. I could also cast a Resilient Sphere around us so that if there IS something inside it won't get much further"
She is keen to prove her worth to this fighting unit. Contribute in a way other than her sight.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/9 d20+24=39 ; Friday January 16th, 2015 11:29:25 AM
Restlin nods. "Tink and I are conjurers. We can send a lot of acid into those welds." He takes a moment to cast overland flight on himself before approaching the urn in midair. He closely inspects the base the urn is sitting on, trying to determine if it's sitting on some kind of mechanical device or trigger.
Perception: 39
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells d20+4=12 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+15=33 ; Friday January 16th, 2015 11:58:05 AM
As the group ponders how best to proceed the horned cleric does his best to recall anything he can about such lead containers and what may be inside. I do not suppose any of you have come across anything about lead amphorae in your studies or heard stories of such things from a passing bard, have you?
ooc: I just noticed you gave us a dex check to move across the floor. Are we able to use an acrobatics check for this?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Friday January 16th, 2015 9:01:37 PM
Garret shrugs, not sure how he can help right now.
Pondering an old lead amphorae. Where's the Antique Roadshow when you need it?(Co-DM JonathanT) Friday January 16th, 2015 11:24:40 PM
DM JT: a picture to help. There are four amphora in this picture. The one I had in mind when I designed the scene was the second one, Type A, but no handles.
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22)(MgcVstmtx2, EndrElmnts, Status) Saturday January 17th, 2015 10:01:20 AM
Trellus answers Bosk. "My pack once broke a big, red gem that turned out to have a wizard trapped inside it. And what we got here is a really big, really old container placed so that no one can see in, or out, of it. And no one can summon into or out of it. And the Gaeli really want it. My bet is there's a spirit inside, and it might not be all that friendly.
But, if your pick is to bust it open, you probably want a bashing weapon." The cleric holds out his mace. "I can enchant it for you, and I can make you stronger, stronger than Bulls Strength spell," he adds. "But just for a bit, and I'll have to be flying up behind so I can touch you."
-------------- Spells in effect: - Magic Vestment (Extended) on shield and armor. Duration 26 hrs, +3 enhancement bonus each - Endure Elements. Duration 24 hours. No fortitude checks needed for hot environment. - Status (Extended) on Katinka, Garret, Bosk, and Beriothian. Duration 26 hrs. - Telepathic Bond (from Katinka) - Katinka, Sesha, Beriothian, and Restlin. Duration 2 hrs - Aura of Protection - All within 30' gain +2 deflection bonus to AC and Resistance 5 for all energy types. Duration 7 of 12 rounds.
Spell List: Highlight to display spoiler: { d - domain spell ^ - recast using pearl of power * - cast
Sesha [AC 28 /18 Touch/24 Flat] | HP 101/88 | CMD 19][See Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Detect Thoughts] d20+22=28 ; d100=90 ; Saturday January 17th, 2015 11:15:26 AM
Even though more of them are venturing out to the giant clay urn than originally planned, Sesha stays put. She casts a Mass Bears Endurance spell, which affects everyone within 55 feet for the next 12 minutes.
1. Bend Leyline: 28 vs DC 26. +2 to ley check 2. Ley Check result: 90 - success.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+11=22 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=21 ; Sunday January 18th, 2015 1:36:11 AM "Anyone got an adamantine weapon? Could just slice the lid clean off"
Tink still volunteers to accompany Bosk to try and open it.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Sunday January 18th, 2015 9:39:29 AM "Or perhaps we could throw something at it to determine if it is empty, or there are other traps, or even if it is illusory?"
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Sunday January 18th, 2015 10:46:29 PM I wouldn't throw anything at it with enough force to knock it over, we wouldn't want to break it. But it may be worth it to see if we spring any traps. Of course, the other traps required intelligent beings to actually be the cause of the triggers.
Pondering an old lead amphorae. Where's the Antique Roadshow when you need it?(Co-DM JonathanT) Monday January 19th, 2015 12:04:32 AM Bosk offers to hold Tink on his shoulders so Tink can reach the lid. However the lead amphorae is only 5' tall and Bosk is 9' 6", that would put Tink at least 7' +/- some inches above the lid. Just a wee bit high to be effective in helping remove the lid.
Katinka offers the use of some acid darts to break the lead welded seal of the lid instead of using brute force. She also proposes a Resilient Sphere around them so that if there is something unpleasant inside, it will be contained within the bubble.
Rstlin agrees with Tink, that acid on the weld will be a better solution to unfasten the lid than to manhandle it.
Looking closely at the urn's base, it seems uncannily attached to the floor. More like the base melds into the stone platform. Good thing no one tried to lift if yet, could have gotten a hernia from the effort.
Bosk tries to remember historical uses of lead amphorae. Nothing really comes to mind but wild guesses.
DM JT: Dex Check or Acrobatics, whichever is best suited to the PC. Acrobatics check DC10 (7 - 11 inches wide).
Garret shrugs. When he's needed, he'll hear the call.
Trellus chips in on a story from his past about a gem that held a trapped wizard. He deduces, from evidence detected so far, that the amphorae could be serving the same purpose, holding an unfriendly spirit. He offers the use of his magic to enchant a weapon and give extra strength to help break the lead seal.
Sesha throws in more spells into the pot, Mass Endurance.
Katinka asks if anyone has an adamantite weapon. It occurs to her that their comrade Anrete had an adamantite great sword, but unfortunately he's enjoying the garden rooftop of the Tower. Other ideas flood her mind, throwing something at it to se if it is empty or trapped.
Ideas flood the IA's discussion on the amphorae's purpose and how best to best it. Spell times are ticking away so a decision must be made quickly now. Leave it be or tinker with it? Be brave or be forever curious? What will it be?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d6+4=5 ; d20+12=30 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 1:42:34 AM "Ok, here goes..." Tink lets loose an acid dart, targeted at the lid seal (Hit Ranged Touch AC30 for 5pts acid damage. Ignores Spell Resistance)
"I've got another 7 where that came from"
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 Monday January 19th, 2015 9:27:32 AM
Kyan will wait to see what the acid dart does.. but if it is nothing special he'll fire an arrow at the pot too, just to see what something with more phyiscal oomph does.
OOC: Sorry guys, got sick end of last week
Sesha [AC 28 /18 Touch/24 Flat] | HP 101/88 | CMD 19][See Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Detect Thoughts] d4=1 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 10:46:07 AM "Woo, target practice!"
Sesha plinks at the jar with her hand crossbow for 1 damage.
Pondering an old lead amphorae. Where's the Antique Roadshow when you need it?(Co-DM JonathanT) Monday January 19th, 2015 11:43:41 AM
DM JT OOC: I'm hopping in here early but it's not an official full post. Just a Helping Hand post. :)
DM JT IC: A decision of sorts is made and Katinka shoots an acid dart at the seal. The acid starts affecting the lead weld immediately as one would expect.
A few more maybe and it should be easy-peasy to pry the seal off and lift the lid.
Sesha thinks she'll help by shooting a bolt at it but the bolt ricochets off the lead amphorae and everyone ducks as the bolt sails back towards the shooter. A label on the crossbow written in text too small to read by normal means has the warning "Warning: not for kids, do not shoot at hard objects or you'll shoot your eye out." :)
The bolt lands harmlessly a little ways down the corridor, its blunted point and fractured shaft now a mere shadow of its former self.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+12=13 ; d20+12=30 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=7 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 12:36:44 PM
Tink drops to the floor as Sesha takes aim "Hit the deck!". She covers her head with her arms.
When it goes quiet again, she raises her head to look around. Fortunately the bolt missed everyone.
The halfling chuckles as she rises and gives Sesha a pat on the shoulder.
"I'm going to fire a couple more. Bosk, when you're ready, do you want to do the honours of lifting the lid?"
Tink lets loose two more green globs of acid. Aaannnnd wouldn't you know it - misses with one (Nat1=A miss, even on an inanimate object. "Something" just took 8pts acid damage. 2nd one hit AC30 for 7pts though)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Monday January 19th, 2015 3:33:49 PM
Garret calls out from the rear of the group, "Hey, you want to watch what you're doing up there!?!" :)
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 d20+22=37 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 5:51:11 PM
Now that the group is starting to remove the seal Beri realizes it's time to look around the room closely to see if there is there is any indication as to what they are about to access.
perception=37
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells d20+16=36 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=25 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 7:32:22 PM Thanks for unsealing that. The horned cleric tells Tink. Want to join me in opening it? You can ride on my shoulders. Bosk will then make his way to the amphorae and open the lid (or assist Tink if she wants the honors.
Acrobatics to get to amphorae = 36 (Nat 20) Strength Checks 7, 25 (Nat 20)
DM JT: fixed the bold text.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/9 Monday January 19th, 2015 8:29:52 PM
Restlin also lets loose with acid darts as needed, before Bosk tries to open the lid, obviously.
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22)(MgcVstmtx2, EndrElmnts, Status) Monday January 19th, 2015 8:57:37 PM
Trellus realizes he's holding his breath, and forces himself to exhale as Bosk opens the lid.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday January 20th, 2015 12:39:46 AM "No, I'm fine from back here" Tink smiles to Bosk
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday January 20th, 2015 1:26:31 AM
The long awaited and debated moment arrives. After several well placed acid darts (and one gone askew due to a well timed flatulence event by Bosk where Katinka nearly lost consciousness), the lead seal is weakened enough to be easily removed with a little show of strength by the minotaur. With the seal broken, it is and easy thing to remove the lid.
Immediately smoke billows out from the amphorae and envelops all withing 20' feet. Its chocking thickness is impenetrable even by Darkvision. Katinka and Bosk start coughing and hacking as the smoke burns their lungs and is unbreathable.
Fort Save DC14. Failed save suffer -4 penalty to Strengh and Dex. Spell Resistance does not apply.
The smoke billows out simultaneously with a hollow voice. Linguistics DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The language is Ignan.}
If Linguistics check is successful and the PC understands the language: Highlight to display spoiler: {The voice is casting a spell.}
To all except for Bosk and Tink:Highlight to display spoiler: { before the smoke can fill its 20' rad area, you glimpse the form of a Large humanoid placing himself in a grandiose pose in the north west corner of the smoke area.}
To all except for Bosk and Tink: Knowledge Geography DC10: Highlight to display spoiler: {The large humanoid fits the description of a Fire Giant.}
Bosk and Tink are now hidden from view from the rest and they in turn are 'blind', the smoke cloud impeding all vision.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+11=28 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+37=38 ; d20+21=24 ; Tuesday January 20th, 2015 2:15:04 AM Fort Save vs DC14: 28 = Pass. Linguistics Check vs DC20: Autopass. It is a language Tink speaks fluently
Tink does her best not to cough up a lung. Perhaps Bosk's "flatulence event" prepared her lungs for this? But even her keen eyes can't penetrate the smoke that surrounds her.
Then she hears it. A voice in the smoke. An unfamiliar voice. But she does recognise the language and what it is doing
"Something in here just spoke in Igan, and is casting a spell!" she alerts the others via the telepthatic link "Any chance we're just released an evil genie from a bottle?"
She doesn't want to wait to find out, but without knowing if she has a clear path back to the rest of the group - and surrounded by a trapped floor - she can do nought but try and ascend to a safer height.
Perception: 33 + Arcane Sight + See Invis + Detect Scrying + Dark Vision. Can she pinpoint a target square based on sound? Stealth: 38 + 20 Moving Invisible + Hide in Plain sight Spellcraft: 24 - Can she ID the spell?
Standard action: Activate Ring Move Action: Stealth Fly straight upwards as high as possible
------------------ Spells in effect: Invisibility - From ring Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC
"Nope," answers Restlin to Tink's inquiry. "Fire giant. You ok in there?"
While waiting for a reply, Restlin tries to figure out what that giant just cast.
Spellcraft: 29 - Should be enough to identify any spell level 14 or under, if those existed.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells d20+15=18 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+16=35 ; Tuesday January 20th, 2015 4:05:31 PM
As the smoke starts billowing out Bosk fights the urge to cough and tries to listen to the strange words coming from the amphorae. He recognizes them as being Ignan, but but never learned the language himself. Suddenly he hears Restlin mention a fire giant and his mind begins moving a mile a minute. He begins wishing he had gotten a snake or scorpion tattoo from Jancassis to grant him tremor sense or the ability to smell his opponents, but for now he will trust in his scorpion to keep him from being flanked.
As the room begins to fill with the acrid scent of smoke he wonders if the giant can see through it, but he has never heard of a creature that could do so. Suddenly he wonders if he should grab the amphorae, but he knows he could never outrun the giant while carrying it. He then thinks about replacing the lid hoping the lead will prevent what ever is inside from casting any more spells, but that would only result in having to reopen the urn later. Instead he reaches his hand in and grabs what ever is inside in his large hand saying, Don't worry, we'll save you. If he finds something inside he will grab it and flee the smoke back towards the entrance.
ooc: Do we want to try to fight this thing? Grab the Amphorae? Or do something like drop a swan boat feather token in the hall to block the creature as we escape?
Fort Save = 18 (success) Linguistics = 24 (success) Acrobatic to not step on glyph on the way back = 35
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Tuesday January 20th, 2015 7:03:39 PM
The cleric has no idea what the language is, but Katinka and Restin are on the case.
Can you talk to it? he sends to Katinka Maybe we're on the same side He's not putting a lot of threads into that particular loom, but giving it a chance first seems the waxed pick.
An air elemental would help with the smoke, he notes to Beriothian.
Trellus casts his own spell, erring on the side of caution. Cast Spell Resistance - SR 25 for 13 minutes
-------------- Spells in effect: - Magic Vestment (Extended) on shield and armor. Duration 26 hrs, +3 enhancement bonus each - Endure Elements. Duration 24 hours. No fortitude checks needed for hot environment. - Status (Extended) on Katinka, Garret, Bosk, and Beriothian. Duration 26 hrs. - Telepathic Bond (from Katinka) - Katinka, Sesha, Beriothian, and Restlin. Duration 2 hrs - Aura of Protection - All within 30' gain +2 deflection bonus to AC and Resistance 5 for all energy types. Duration 9 of 12 rounds. - Spell Resistance - SR 25. Duration 13 minutes
Spell List: Highlight to display spoiler: { d - domain spell ^ - recast using pearl of power * - cast
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 8/9 d20+16=34 ; Tuesday January 20th, 2015 8:28:44 PM
Restlin clears his throat before speaking in Ignan.
"Sir Giant! We have no desire to fight you if it's unnecessary, but are more than capable of defending ourselves if provoked. Any chance your immediate desire is NOT to slaughter all of us without provocation? We did let you out of there after who knows how long."
Diplomacy: 34
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Tuesday January 20th, 2015 8:43:16 PM
Garret rocks back and forth from one foot to the other as he watches and waits...
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 9:07:11 PM
"Well that went well. maybe try and Calm his emotions." Kyan says while readying an arrow in case it's needed.
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday January 21st, 2015 12:56:50 AM katinka manages to keep her lungs intact and conveys what she knows of who or what the source of the voice is, guessing a genie. To escape the smoke she flies upwards. She finds that the room is high enough to escape the smoke cloud.
DM JT Note: the ceiling is 40' high, the center of the smoke cloud was in the amphorae so the top surface of the smoke cloud is roughly 25' high.
The voice she heard seemed to originate from within the amphorae.
Spellcraft to identify a spell as being cast: you must be able to clearly see the spell as it is being cast.
Restlin corrects Katinka in her guess of a genie as he sees, briefly, the figure of a fire giant. Unfortunately for all, identifying the spell is made impossible by the smoke, and the fact that it appears to have been cast from within the amphorae (a hollow echo giving that away).
DM JT note: presumably, not all same-type spells have the same wording. If a human learns Fireball at his mage's guild, it won't have the same words or syntax as the orc shaman learning the same spell. But it would seem that same-spells have a familiar spell component or somatic gesture, at least enough so that one observing the spell, whether cast by the Mind Flayer or the kobold sorcerer, one can determine which spell it is.
At least that's the way I manage to rationalize it.
Bosk holds his breath and keeps from chocking too. Understanding that the language spoken is Ignan is just Step 1. Understanding what was said is Step 2. Understanding he may be in a heap of hurt is Step 3. Well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad, as the song goes. The Minotaur cleric tries to bluff his way out of any harm by reaching into the amphorae and pulling out whatever is inside, saying Don't Worry, We'll save you!".
He grasps his arm's length but finds nothing.
DM JT Note to Bosk: You seriously are going to try to blindly use acrobatics to find your way back and not step on a Rune? LOL. Given your height, the smoke obscures the floor. You could try to blindly Jump (you know the general direction), or crawl, with eyes close enough to see the floor.
Trellus suggests talking to it, and bringing in an Air Elemental to deal with the smoke. To protect himself, he casts Spell resistance on himself.
Garret remains ready to pounce, if necessary.
Kyan readies an arrow but suggests Calm Emotions.
Restlin takes the initiative to open a dialogue. These things never seem to work but there's always a first time.
Brave Sir Restlin: "Sir Giant! We have no desire to fight you if it's unnecessary, but are more than capable of defending ourselves if provoked. Any chance your immediate desire is NOT to slaughter all of us without provocation? We did let you out of there after who knows how long."
Fire Giant hidden by smoke: The fire giant replies in Common. "Indeed you did, little ones. And powerful you've proven to be to manage to break the bonds that held me. I don't sense you to be the kind that bound me, so I see no need to kill you. Pray tell, who are you and what brings you here?" the booming voice echoes around the 60'x60 x 40' high room.
Map is technically unchanged unless you wanted to move. Katinka flew up. Bosk is either going to crawl, jump, or try his blind luck on the floor. I'll give you the Acrobatics DC when you tell me which method you want to use. :)
P.S. if you crawl you don't need the Acrobatics check, just take the movement penalty for crawling + difficult terrain (difficult because you are trying to see and avoid a rune).
Sesha [AC 28 /18 Touch/24 Flat] | HP 101/88 | CMD 19][See Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Detect Thoughts] Wednesday January 21st, 2015 2:45:13 AM
Sesha is shocked that Restlins talking didn't end with someone getting the jump on him.
Though still covered by patch and scarf, she decides against casting anymore spells.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+15=16 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+19=23 ; Wednesday January 21st, 2015 3:16:04 AM
Tink pauses now at ceiling height. She was just about ready to cast a Protection from Energy - or - a Resist Energy spell. It's not often people or monsters are willing to talk first. In recent times they have been more inclined to try and kill the party first.
She has a way with words, so decides to try and help Restlin with diplomatic relations.
"We are but humble explorers searching for people that long left our land" she says aloud "Someone bound you here, you say? Might I ask who that was?". She is still invisible, however has broken stealth to speak.
Diplomacy: 16. My 3rd Nat1 this week and it's only Wednesday! Perception: 40 Sense Motive: 23
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 6:41:12 AM We found some ruins indicating there was a battle between two mighty groups of people. Was your captivity a result of that battle?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 d20+16=28 ; Wednesday January 21st, 2015 8:16:02 AM
Telepathically, Restlin broadcasts to everyone he can, "These beings are violent and believe strength and battle prowess are righteous attributes. Don't be too submissive here."
Aloud, in common, "Really, we're here because some humans were outside digging this place up. They attacked us on sight, so we slaughtered them all. It was not a close battle, as evidenced by our continued health." Restlin waves his arm to indicate his companions are unharmed. "What my companions have said is true, though. We're looking for signs of a people known as the Teucri. We haven't had much luck thus far. That one," he points to Trellus, "is from around these parts and may know more about the situation with you and that amphorae."
Diplomacy: 28 - Trying to keep this thing friendly
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday January 21st, 2015 8:20:06 AM
Tink says a silent prayer "Pantheon, if you're listening, please don't let it be the Teucri that imprisoned this guy!"
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Wednesday January 21st, 2015 1:42:51 PM
ooc: Isn't Bosk right on the edge of the smoke line? Can't I lean over to see? At this point I guess I will wait to see what happens with the giant and hold an action to cast fly on myself if necessary.
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 4:55:13 PM
kyan keeps his arrow ready, but his mouth shut.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Wednesday January 21st, 2015 6:59:25 PM
Garret looks at Kyan and nods the slightest bit in agreement.
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 8:10:29 PM
Beri takes note of Restlin's broadcast, and will make sure to remember for the rest of their conversation with the creature.
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Wednesday January 21st, 2015 9:06:04 PM
"Light," Trellus growls unhappily at the giant's response.
Katinka, Sesha, Beriothian, and Restlin get a quick telepathic alert - We're in a temple built by the Gaeli to celebrate a victory. Good odds this beater was imprisoned by them. Which means he'll attack them. Which we cannot allow.
DM JT: I think you meant the War Memorial was built by the Yngvardians. The frescoes and paintings in the building above showed the slave Yngvardian army defeating the Gaeli army.
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday January 22nd, 2015 12:22:09 AM DM JT OOC: Bosk asked Isn't Bosk right on the edge of the smoke line?
Answ:: The black square is the Rune Platform. The thick black lines is the edge of the smoke. Bosk is 10' inside the smoke. Due to his size, a 5' step puts him outside the Rune Platform, so to revise my statement from above, a successful Acrobatics check would mean he manages to turn and step outside the Rune Platform without stepping on a rune, however due to the smoke, the DC is now 15.
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday January 22nd, 2015 12:58:55 AM Katinka continues the diplmacy and foregoes any spell casting for the moment. "We are but humble explorers searching for people that long left our land" she says aloud "Someone bound you here, you say? Might I ask who that was?" the invisible hafling asks.
Beri adds to the questioning "We found some ruins indicating there was a battle between two mighty groups of people. Was your captivity a result of that battle?
Restlin warns, telepathically, that Fire Giants tend to be violent and value strength and battle prowers, so don't be too submissive. To the Fire Giant he goes on to explain the events just an couple of hours ago and mentions they are looking for the Teucri. Pointing to Trellus, he suggest Trellus may know more about the situation. Of course, the smoke cloud prevents the Fire Giant from seeing Restlin pointing.
Sesha is speachless that no one's managed to offend the Fire Giant, yet.
Meanwhile, Kyan and Garret remain silent. Too many voices in the kitchen could upset the kettle.
Before the Fire Giant answers, they hear the voice again but in Ignan: Highlight to display spoiler: {He is casting another spell, but there are no visible effects.}
He then answers the group. "Ruins you say? A band of adventurers then? Interesting. Looking for a people known as the Teucri? Never heard of them. What ruffians would attack strangers on sight? What did these uncouth diggers look like? What did this place mean to them? What were they looking for?"
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday January 22nd, 2015 4:30:10 AM "Do you want to tell us what spells you are casting right now? I don't mind saying it is making me a little anxious. Like you're preparing to fight us. That and you didn't answer any of the questions WE asked you"
Telepathically she speaks to the party "Does anyone have a way to remove this cloud? It's hindering us more than him, and I can hear him casting a second spell now"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 11:15:24 AM
Restlin telepathically reaches out to those who can hear. "He's stalling. Beri, can you air elemental this smoke away? Trellus, does your lore have any fire giants in it?"
Taking advantage of the obscuring smoke while he can, Restlin will remove his silent metamagic rod from his quiver, using it to cast a silent resist energy (fire, obviously) just in case.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells d20+16=36 ; Thursday January 22nd, 2015 4:00:14 PM
Bosk will carefully make his way out of the smoke and back towards the entrance, moving slowly so as not to threaten the giant.
Acrobatics = 36 (success)
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 7:55:53 PM
ooc: I can blow the smoke away, but I have to transform first. If you think transforming wouldn't put us into combat I can, but it will take two rounds total
0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Cure Critical Wounds 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Thursday January 22nd, 2015 8:14:49 PM
Garret listens to the conversation and senses the tension in the air. He squints and attempts to peer through and around the smoke to judge the distance to the newly arrived giant.
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Thursday January 22nd, 2015 8:15:41 PM
Trellus shakes his head, then realizes no one is looking at him.
Never heard of a fire giant, he sends out in response to Restlin. Never seen one before, actually.
Noting Bosk backing out of the smoke, the cleric decides to give this giant one more chance. Meanwhile he starts calculating the position of that vase.
[ooc - so if I want to cast an area of effect spell centered more or less on the amphorae, do I actually need to see the spot?]
-------------- Spells in effect: - Magic Vestment (Extended) on shield and armor. Duration 26 hrs, +3 enhancement bonus each - Endure Elements. Duration 24 hours. No fortitude checks needed for hot environment. - Status (Extended) on Katinka, Garret, Bosk, and Beriothian. Duration 26 hrs. - Telepathic Bond (from Katinka) - Katinka, Sesha, Beriothian, and Restlin. Duration 2 hrs - Aura of Protection - All within 30' gain +2 deflection bonus to AC and Resistance 5 for all energy types. Duration 11 of 12 rounds. - Spell Resistance - SR 25. Duration 12.9 minutes
Spell List: Highlight to display spoiler: { d - domain spell ^ - recast using pearl of power * - cast
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 8:32:24 PM
ooc: btw, I'm monitoring this... just let me know if you want me to start transforming.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday January 22nd, 2015 9:21:47 PM OOC:
Tink's actions are awaiting a DM response on the questions I posted privately
Sesha considers the room and the amorphae and the giant. Sesha probes Pot-pot.
"Do you detect anything?", she figures that since Pot-pot can sense all spirits and incorporeal undead, maybe he has a lead.
Regardless, she is getting irritated at the smoke rising and choking everyone, and casts Make Whole on the urn, fixing the break in the weld and re-sealing the top of the clay pot.
Sesha apologizes to the giant.
"Sorry. That smoke is bothersome, far more to us than it is to you I imagine."
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 10:04:36 PM
ooc: since sesha fixed it, Beri readies a transformation to an ice elemental should combat occur (but does not transform yet unless removal of the smoke indicates he should)
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Friday January 23rd, 2015 12:59:39 AM
DM JT Quick Note: Now that spells have been cast, if you haven't been doing so, please note somewhere in your post the number of rounds/minutes duration of the spell(s) and how many rounds have past. We can consider ourselves in 'Combat' Rounds (although there is no combat) the moment the lid was opened.
Like x/y (x = rounds past; y=duration)
Forgot to mention that earlier, sorry.
P.S. Answered Tink's questions in her Private post.
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Friday January 23rd, 2015 1:20:26 AM
The IA are getting nervous that the Fire Giant is casting spells and no one can see what's going on. Restlin suggest he is stalling but Tink doesn't sense that. He could have just ignored the questions or maybe he's still orienting himself and will get to them later. Or perhaps his curiosity and elation at being free at last just overpowered his manners. Beri ponders going into Air Elemental form or Ice Elemental form. Bosk easily makes it out of the Rune Platform and out of the smoke.
DM JT: Tell me where you want to be on the map.
Restlin silently casts Resist Energy (Fire), and Garret tries to pinpoint where the Fire Giant is by its voice (automatic failure if you don't roll a Perception Check).
Trellus tries to gauge where the amphorae is in the smoke for a possible area effect spell.
DM JT: I'd treat it like a thrown splash weapon. I'd calculate the DC to Hit and include a penalty for Total Concealment, you'd roll and if missed, roll the D8 and D6 for the location you actually hit.
Sesha tries to mend the seal to fix the lid back on but: A) She can't see it to fix it B) The lid fell to the floor, she'd have to get it back up over the amphorae opening first.
DM JT: Since there are some pending actions, I'll hold back on the Fire Giant's response and we can catch up on a post over the weekend if there are enough posts.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+27=46 ; Friday January 23rd, 2015 5:47:29 AM
Tink contemplates what to do. She can't fly out of the room for fear of triggering one of the runes by flying over the top of it. She can't dimensional step out of the room as she doesn't have line of sight to where she wants to go. For now, she is trapped in the room with the fire giant.
She casts Resist Energy (Fire) in antipication that it will be needed.
Perception: 46
(Added duration to Invisibility. All other spells have durations of either permanent or hours still to go)
------------------ Spells in effect: Invisibility - From ring (Dur: 2/18rnds) Resist Energy (Fire: 30) Arcane Sight - 120ft range. See magical auras automatically. Darkvision - 60ft range See Invisibility - See Invisible or Ethereal objects Overland Flight - Fly speed 40ft. Detect Scrying - Detect any person/object being scryed upon with 40ft Misdirection - Misdirect the information from divination spells that reveal auras on Tink to instead seem like a pebble (Neutral, Not Magic, Not Lying, Not alive, etc) Mage Armor - +4 AC Water Breathing - From Tishe's Weave Elements Freedom of Movement - From Tishe's Weave Elements Endure Elements - From Sesha Telepathic Bond Status - From Trellus Unseen Servant
------------------ Spells Available: Highlight to display spoiler: { 0 - Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation, Toro's Taur Try 1 - Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Grease, Prot from Evil, Roses Temp, Silent Image, Unseen Servant 2 - Misdirection, Alter Self (x2), Knock, Resist Energy, Resist Energy, Glitterdust 3 - Dispel Magic (x2), Haste (x2), Prot from Energy, Shrink Item, Stinking Cloud 4 - Detect Scrying, Resilient Sphere, Summon Monster IV, Wall of Fire, Black Tentacles 5 - Overland Flight (x2), Wall of Force, Summon Monster V, Telepathic Bond 6 - Summon Monster VI (x3), Tishe's Weave Elements}
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 Friday January 23rd, 2015 10:24:18 AM
Checking in. My action still stands. I'll check in over the weekend as well.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] d20+22=30 ; Friday January 23rd, 2015 12:51:41 PM
Garret continues to attempt to locate the fire giant (Perception: 30).
Sesha [AC 28 /18 Touch/24 Flat] | HP 101/88 | CMD 19][See Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Detect Thoughts] Friday January 23rd, 2015 4:47:09 PM
Sesha walks forward, as necessary, to retrieve the lid to the jar and cast mending?
(Also, anything from Potpot?
"Do you detect anything?", she figures that since Pot-pot can sense all spirits and incorporeal undead, maybe he has a lead.)
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Friday January 23rd, 2015 5:51:11 PM
ooc: Beri will be transforming into an ice elemental should it look like combat is starting (initiated by either side)
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Friday January 23rd, 2015 9:26:22 PM
Bosk moves south to 11/12, G/H.
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 Saturday January 24th, 2015 8:39:18 AM
Kyan calmly pulls a few more arrows from his quiver to hold in his hand while he waits.
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Monday January 26th, 2015 12:51:21 AM
OOC: I'm so sorry. I meant to have a post up by now but ended up working yesterday and one thing added up with another and still don't have a post up. :( I've got to get my car inspection sticker tomorrow but otherwise I hope to have one up in the morning.
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Monday January 26th, 2015 11:51:19 AM Katinka has much to think about. The Fire Giant was heard casting spells and didn't answer her questions on that. Staying put could cause problems but moving might also if the Rune Floor is triggered. So she gambles and stays put, near the ceiling, but gets some fire protection just in case.
Restlin casts fire protection on himself as well, his is silent though.
Garret feels he has a good bead on the Fire Giant's location. Garret: Highlight to display spoiler: {Somewhere centered around E5.}
Sesha inquires from Pot-Pot the presence of spirits and incorporeal undead. Pot-Pot's response is negative. She contemplates putting the lid back on the amphorae. She realizes that she will have to navigate the Rune Floor while unable to see the floor and grope around to find the lid. If she can accomplish this, putting the lid back on would be easy. But does she want to try to cross the Rune Floor, crawling with her nose to the floor to keep from stepping on a rune?
Crawling is a 5' move, two Move actions gets you 10'.
Beri prepares to transform into an Ice Elemental if things go bad and combat starts.
Bosk leaps out of the smoke and manages not to smash into the wall. Important thing is he is out of the smoke and off the Rune Floor.
Kyan has his bow ready and several arrows in hand for a quick reload.
Trellus calculates where he thinks the amphorae is in the smoke cloud guestimating where to cast an area effect spell if necessary.
DM JT Note: it would appear that if your target is a grid square, all you need is Line of Effect, no mention that you need to be able to see it (darkness, smoke, fog, etc.), which is different than Line of Sight. If the target is an object, you must be able to see it in most cases (exception: Rays).
The Fire Giant casts another spell, however, pressed about his spell casting, the Fire Giant responds rather matter-of-factly. "Surely you don't think I should blindly trust strangers? Even those that freed me from my prison? I was unjustly imprisoned and only seek my freedom. I wish you no harm but must guard myself as precaution. You yourselves have spells on you for the same reason. I don't hold that against you nor am offended by the casting of spells just now."
He pauses for a second and then continues. "Much time has passed. What was is no longer. What injustice was done can't be set right for those guilty are long dead. I shall set my sights on my homeland and get on with my life. You have my eternal gratitude and if you ever find yourselves in the mountain ranges of the Fire Giants I'll make sure you are granted safe passage. Will you let me pass? I don't want to be rude and shove you aside. That is not how I want to treat those who freed me."
"I don't see any reason not to let him go, but what would the others have wanted him so badly for?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 d20+22=29 ; Monday January 26th, 2015 8:07:57 PM
Restlin can't find fault with the giant's logic. Fire giants weren't known for being nice, but this one was being cordial.
Sense motive: 29 - Do I feel like this giant is a threat to us?
Unless his senses tell him something otherwise, Restlin will answer, "Well, seems silly to let you go, then hold you here without good reason. Before you head out, would you mind telling us why you were in there? We're trying to learn more about this history of this place, and it seems you were present for it.
"Also, could you do anything about all this smoke? I'm not sure if that's you or your prison spewing it out."
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Monday January 26th, 2015 8:55:12 PM
Being just as confused as everyone else, Trellus lets the others do the talking while he ponders...
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 Monday January 26th, 2015 9:06:49 PM
"It's true.. would be a lot easier to just let you by if we could see you." Kyan chimes in.
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Monday January 26th, 2015 9:26:18 PM
Beri thinks for a second. I agree, my code of honor gives no reason to delay your departure.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+27=31 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+19=30 ; Monday January 26th, 2015 9:42:00 PM "I'm afraid I cannot in good conscience allow you to go without first knowing why you were imprisoned. My instinct is that you are an honourable being, so I'm sure there is some reason you can explain. As a Justicar I'm afraid it would be unethical of me to free someone from a prison if they were convicted for good reason" Tink continues to be bound by her ethics "If you can explain your imprisonment and why you should be released, I would be happy to see you on your way. Provide you any healing you require or directions as well and bid you a good journey"
Perception: 31 Diplomacy: 19 Sense Motive: 30
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday January 27th, 2015 1:33:55 AM
Most of the IA are in agreement to let the Fire Giant go, but Katinka insists that before they do they must know for what reason he was imprisoned. Restlin does not sense the Fire Giant is a threat even though Fire Giants are known for their power and violence. But Fire Giants are also intelligent and not prone to rash behavior as Hill Giants are known for. You also did not notice him wearing any armor or having any weapons.
"Who are you to judge what happened hundreds of years ago? You would sit in the judgment seat for those dead long ago? For pay I chose a side. The victor writes the history. So I paid my dues. It is irrelevant what the issue was. I hold no grudge against you and I don't intend to take anything out on ghosts. Now please stand aside."
Katinka gets the feeling that the Fire Giant is beginning to get impatient and that he might have answered more of their questions had she not forced a sore point.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday January 27th, 2015 1:57:28 AM
Tink telepathically calls out to the party "He hasn't answered a single question we have asked. We don't know his name, why he was imprisoned, who imprisoned him, anything. However, if Trellus' Detect Evil spell doesn't register an evil aura on the giant I will say no more of it"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 d20+16=26 ; Tuesday January 27th, 2015 7:38:59 AM
Restlin fully understands where Tink is coming from. Really, he does. However, he feels a little diplomacy is needed to get some information they need.
"My friend Tink here worships a god from the North with a very specific dogma regarding justice. She means well, I promise.
"We won't hold you up any longer...but...well, what we have here is a chance for history to not be written by the victors. Whatever happened did so long ago, and many questions still remain unanswered. I, personally, am very interested in your story and would appreciate hearing it."
Diplomacy: 26 - Trying to make this big guy friendly again
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+10=30 ; Tuesday January 27th, 2015 8:47:45 AM
Tink relays her fears to the group via telepathy "The more I think about it guys, the more distrusting I'm becoming. Think about it. Of all the battles, this guy was chosen, welded inside a lead urn, surrounded by trapped runes, at the end of a trapped corridor, to be buried beneath the sand for eternity? That's some serious time, gold and commitment. Really, all this for an ordinary fire giant? No, I don't think he's ordinary at all. I'm wondering if he is a giant at all. Many transmutation spells allow for beings to take the form of giants. I want to see the magical auras on this guy. Something isn't right"
She lowers herself to hover a few inches from the ground again, and then navigates her way back to the entranceway (Acrobatics to avoid setting off any traps: 30. Nat20!)
Tink then addresses the giant aloud "I understand you are eager to leave this place, having been trapped here so long. However, there is an army on the surface. It may take a few minutes to calm them down so as they do not attack you on sight. Would it be ok for us to talk with you while that happens?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Tuesday January 27th, 2015 5:16:03 PM
Garret steps forward and sideways (to about B12) when Tink moves to the doorway. He does not hear the telepathy, but he watches and waits.
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Tuesday January 27th, 2015 7:44:03 PM We have no justification for holding him, let him pass.
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Tuesday January 27th, 2015 8:25:23 PM
Trellus shakes his head.
I stopped concentrating when the smoke went off, he sends. I couldn't detect even if I could see him.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells d3=1 ; Tuesday January 27th, 2015 9:25:19 PM
As the others try to convince the giant to quit casting spells Bosk waits to see what will happen. As he waits he holds an action to summon a lantern archon, intent on casting it if the creature casts another spell.
Actions Held action to summon lantern archon if giant casts another spell.
Sesha notices Bosks summon and watches it curiously. Was the jar preventing the summoning spells only while closed? If not, she suspects Bosks spell will fail.
Then it's time to talk. She speaks as much to the giant as she does Tink.
"I've lived in bondage. I've put people in chains. I've left enemies of the tribe alive, but with their bodies withered or their minds shattered to satisfy slights on our tribes honor. The treatment of the defeated has nothing to do with which side of a conflict holds the right of the matter."
She sighs, but as much as Tink acted in the name her of beliefs, Sesha would act on hers.
"You can leave with no pre-conditions on my part, un-named giant. Though, like the Mage-Priest here, I'd like to know your story. "
She thinks a moment.
"Im going to try to dispel this smoke."
Leycheck 80 vs DC 14.
Dispel Magic: 29
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday January 28th, 2015 1:39:13 AM Katinka is still frustrated that the Fire Giant hasn't answered all their questions yet. She points out her suspicions that ordinary Fire Giants can't do what this one seems to be able to do and that he may not be a Fire Giant at all. She then returns to the entryway and wants to talk with the Fire Giant some more.
Restlin genuinly tries to keep the peace but wants to hear the Fire Giant's story.
Garret moves into the room a little.
Beri still believes in letting the Fire Giant go.
Trellus informs Tink that he no longer has the Detect Evil spell up, having lost concentration when the smoke came out.
Bosk gets ready to summon an Archon, holding his action if the Fire Giant casts another spell.
Sesha wonders if Bosk's summoning will work, considering summoning spells hadn't worked before. She tries to convince Tink to allow the Fire Giant to leave, but also wants to hear the guys' story. In lieu of that, she dispells the smoke easily.
With the smoke gone, the Fire Giant stands before you, its huge, squat, form impressive and domineering. Its visage does not look happy.
"I am Abdul Abdul Mahmaluk. Prince of my clan, maybe even king now. I have no interest in telling my story. It was a long time ago and makes no difference to anyone now. My only wish is to go back home. I ask once more to stand aside so I don't accidentally step on you."
He then takes a step forward, planting his massive gigantic foot almost on top of Tink, and glares at the group.
Perception DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {He is visibly trying to be patient and he sounds serious about not wanting to hurt anyone.}
His whole form radiates magic, perhaps a lingering effect from being in the amphorae, perhaps some ability of Fire Giant Nobility. Or any other thing you want to guess at. There appears to be at least three magical auras. One mid level and two high.
It seems clear a time for decision has come. Do the IA stand aside? Do they stay put and continue to ask questions? Do the shiver in their boots? Do they pick their nose? Do they pull out their 'Don't Panic' button?
Tune in tomorrow, same Woldian channel, same Woldian time. :)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+21=35 ; d20+21=40 ; d20+21=32 ; Wednesday January 28th, 2015 3:22:50 AM Perception check vs DC20: Autopass
Tink does her best not to flinch as the giant foot lands next to her, but it is a nervous moment.
She focuses her gaze on the giant, trying to learn about the magic that surrounds him (Spellcraft checks to ID the auras: 35, 40, 32. Furthermore, with arcane sight: "If you concentrate on a specific creature within 120 feet of you as a standard action, you can determine whether it has any spellcasting or spell-like abilities, whether these are arcane or divine (spell-like abilities register as arcane), and the strength of the most powerful spell or spell-like ability the creature currently has available for use.")
Assuming she does not detect anything malicious, she will gracefully step aside. She's unhappy that the giant didn't tell her anything about the circumstances that led to him being trapped in the urn thingy. Still, by law she has no reason to keep him detained any longer.
"Be careful of the traps on your way out. One was cold based"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 Wednesday January 28th, 2015 8:24:48 AM
Restlin moves out of the way, genuinely sad this giant won't divulge his story.
"There are more people out there. They're not with us, and I can't speak for how they'll react to you. Good luck with your travels."
Telepathically, "well, what now? Do we stay and search around here more, or follow this giant out to avoid traps?"
Sesha [AC 28 /18 Touch/24 Flat] | HP 101/88 | CMD 19][See Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Detect Thoughts] Wednesday January 28th, 2015 11:49:30 AM
Sesha backs out of the way of the giant, sad that he is going. Not so much that she couldn't get his story, but because she couldn't barter with him for a unique component, possibly some hair or some possession. She hadn't collected any unique components since she took some of the 'bathwater' from a liche-to-be's cauldron.
"Well, maybe there's still something else in the pot?"
Sesha goes to inspect the amorphae, looking inside and around it. Is the lid whole on the floor, or broken?
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Wednesday January 28th, 2015 1:26:24 PM
Bosk nods and takes a step back. You have my word that we will stand aside if you are wanting to go in peace, but my conscience begs me to ask two more questions. We found you because there were others seeking to manipulate you and use you as a weapon. I know you said you have no attention of taking things out on ghosts, but what of the distant descendants of those ghosts? Will you leave them in peace as well? If so, is there a chance you will need us to help you leave in peace? Is there a chance some on the outside might attack you? We do not know your history, but we do not want to anger your clan by freeing you only to let you walk into an ambush.
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 Wednesday January 28th, 2015 1:59:41 PM
Khan moves aside to let the giant through. "Anyone else feel like we'll probably be seeing him again?" He mutters
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Wednesday January 28th, 2015 6:18:40 PM
Garret stands and watches the giant go, thinking they might even be able to stop him if they wanted to.
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Wednesday January 28th, 2015 9:49:16 PM
Trellus also moves aside, but also waves a hand to get the giant's attention.
"Dude, on a more practical thread, there's traps between each set of pillars on your way out. And they're still armed...."
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Wednesday January 28th, 2015 10:26:18 PM
Beri backs against a wall and readies an action to transform into an ice elemental should this turn out to be a trap
0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Cure Critical Wounds 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Thursday January 29th, 2015 12:30:30 AM Katinka nearly gets squashed but you'd never know it by her reaction. Well, mostly because she's invisible. The only clue would be a faint 'squawk' and then silence....
But Katinka is fine, if not a bit nervous. She does not like things a bit and decides to start using her Arcane Sight for efficiently. She concentrates on the Fire Giant while giving him some advice: "Be careful of the traps on your way out. One was cold based"
While Katinka is unhappy that the Fire Giant won't tell his story, Restlin is sad. He also warns the Fire Giant about others out there. Telepathically,he wonders what to do next.
Sesha gives room and is also sad about the Fire Giant leaving, but for reasons altogether different. She wonders if there still is anything in the amphorae and steps around the Fire Giant and heads over to the Rune Platform.
DM JT: is she going to navigate the runes? Dex or Acrobatics check DC10.
Bosk is willing to stand aside but feels he needs answers to two nagging questions: a) Will the Fire Giant leave the descendents of 'ghosts' in peace? b) Is there a chance he will need help in order to leave in peace?
Kyan moves aside but mutters that he has the feeling that they will probably see him again.
Garret thinks that they might be able to stop the Fire Giant if they wanted to.
Trellus also warns the giant of the magical traps.
Beri also stands aside but is ready at a moment's notice to transform into an Ice Elemental.
Katinka scrutinizes the Fire Giant while he replies, "Thanks for all your concern, but I'll be fine. It appears you have disarmed the traps and whatever army is out there I'm sure I can get by it just fine."
But, instead of the Fire Giant moving past the IA and on out, he remains standing there.
Katinka only: Highlight to display spoiler: {Although your Arcane Sight gives you the idea there are 3 magical auras, when you concentrate on the Fire Giant you only discern a strong aura of Transmutation. However, once the Fire Giant stops speaking, your Permanent See Invisibility sees what appears to be a second Fire Giant fly out of the first and zip by your friends. His flight takes him to the base of the stairs.}
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday January 29th, 2015 2:14:20 AM
Tink does a double take as she sees what happens. She cautiously reaches out a hand to touch the giant before her. In her mind, she fully expects it to be an illusion. The spell Mislead comes to mind.
"Uh, I think the real giant just invisibly flew past us. It's at the bottom of the stairs right now. I can see it" she says aloud to the group.
Tink dismisses her own invisibility, and gives a nod to the giant by the stairs.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 Thursday January 29th, 2015 7:59:53 AM
OOC: Restlin can also permanently see invisible.
Restlin keeps an ear open for any commotion outside, then heads over to the rune platform, leaping through it gracefully to get to the amphorae.
Acrobatics DC10: Autopass
He's careful to make sure the rim isn't still covered in acid before he peeks over the edge and looks inside.
She is after, of elven lineage. Centuries old, her blood-kin have passed on grace and beauty, their gifts from the Woldian gods. Further still, she is enhanced with a enchantment providing her with with lithe reflexes of a cat.
She dances into the room, and right on top of a rune. No matter, Sesha was young and nimble, but when she saw an invisible giant fly out of the other big giant they had been talking too, well, she fell right on her face.
(Acrobatics: 9 - Reflex Save - Nat 1)
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Thursday January 29th, 2015 8:44:05 PM The real giant? Care to elaborate? Should I be casting Faerie Fire... probably not if he already left Beri thinks to himself
0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize 1 (6)- *Elf Vision, Faerie Firex2, Entangle, cure light wounds x3 2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood, spider climb, Flaming Sphere, restoration lesser 3 (5)- *Glibness, quench, Greater Magic Fang, wind wall, stone shape, Cure Moderate Wounds 4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, dispel magic, cure serious sounds, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2 5 (3)- *Awaken, Cure Critical Wounds 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Thursday January 29th, 2015 9:15:17 PM
Garret watches the others approach the planter and shudders when he sees Sesha slip. He reaches a hand out from instinct, even knowing he is way too far away.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Thursday January 29th, 2015 9:46:58 PM
Can you tell us if the giant set off any of the traps again?
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Thursday January 29th, 2015 9:58:19 PM
Trellus turns to look at the bottom of the stairs, and naturally, sees nothing. The cleric stares at the nothing at the bottom of the stairs for several long moments, looking very puzzled.
"Well, that was odd," he notes.
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Friday January 30th, 2015 1:25:00 AM Katinka advises the group that the Fire Giant has flown down the hallway, invisibly. She reaches out to touch the image before her and her hand swipes through it. Visible now, she nods at the back of the invisible Fire Giant.
Restlin also sees the Fire Giant fly out of the image and down the hall.
DM JT: I looked and only found Katinka's list of spells in effect. Don't forget to list all your permanent spells. You guys usually do and I know it is easy to forget.
Restlin gracefully vaults over the Rune Platform to the amphorae and peeks inside. He keeps an ear tuned to any commotion that may erupt from outside.
Sesha smirks at Restlin's rather easy leap and decides to do the same with some panache and manages to trip on the lip of the raised floor and fall flat on her face. Her form manages to lay over several runes.
Beri ponders the casting of Faerie Fire and decides not to.
Garret reaches out to Sesha when she trips but it is too late and he shudders at the thought of so many runes going off all at once!
Bosk looks back down the hallway wondering if any of the traps have had time to reset yet.
Trellus vallianly stare down the hallway. "Well, that was odd," he notes.
Odd indeed, and very anti-climatic. Sesha lays sprawled over several deadly runes but nothing happens. Restlin looks inside the amphorae and sees it empty. The still image of a Fire Giant stands looming over the IA, a stern look on its face, but now that Tink has swiped her hand through it, it clearly appears to be just that, an image. None of the traps go off, so they must not have had time to reset yet.
Although an image itself would not set off runes traps, the invisible giant inside the image would, unless hovering, like Tink likes to do, a few inches off the ground. But that opens up other questions too.
Katinka still sees two magical auras surrounding the invisible giant, but he'll be gone before she can concentrate on what they are. One, obviously, is for the invisibility. What was the other?
Oh well. Food for thought.
Free of smoke and an empty amphorae to explore, what do the IA do now?
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Friday January 30th, 2015 5:50:05 PM I wonder if the traps reset or if he disabled them somehow. Well, should we search the urn?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 d20+26=28 ; Friday January 30th, 2015 6:43:07 PM
Restlin helps Sesha to her feet. "Easy there, Grace. Not all of us can be quick on their feet." He grins as he brushes the dust off her. "Amphorae's empty. Unless someone can find a secret room in here, we should probably head out."
As he paces the room, he wonders out loud. "Maybe that wasn't a fire giant. Maybe it really was an evil genie that disguised himself as a noble fire giant king." He looks out the tunnel. "Maybe we let something terrible loose on the world. Maybe he didn't want to tell his story because it ended with, 'then they trapped me in that amphorae for all eternity for slaughtering entire civilizations.'"
He shrugs. "Oh well, guess we'll see. Let's give the room a good once over & then get out of here."
Perception: 28 - Anything we haven't noticed?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] d20+22=31 ; Friday January 30th, 2015 7:28:16 PM
Garret shrugs at the runes and help Restlin check out the rest of the room, checking for other exits, panels, etc. (Perception: 31)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+27=29 ; Friday January 30th, 2015 8:20:08 PM
Tink throws her hands in the air and looks at Restlin. In the back of her mind she is certain she will see that fire giant again.
She too will help examine the urn-thing. As well as looking inside it, she will also examine the inside of the lid.
I'm more than capable of dodging these runes Mage Priest, I think I was tripped by some sort of spell. The magic of this place -is- ancient and probably very strong."
Quickly dropping the subject, Sesha picks up some of the Amorphae lid, and stuffs it into her spell component pouch.
DM: Requesting permission to store the "Lead amorphae lid of an imprisoned fire giant" as a Tinker with Magic Component? I have no idea how I'd use it, but something may come up.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Saturday January 31st, 2015 1:15:14 AM "Good thinking, Sesha. If the lid - and even urn - are relics that belong to the peoples of this land then we should see them returned back to where they belong" Tink assumes Sesha to be trying to find the rightful owner of the item.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Saturday January 31st, 2015 12:29:22 PM
Bosk quickly grabs up the amphorae to bring with the group (I think I am the only one who can carry that much weight). What ever we are going to do, we should do it quick. That giant might start a fight outside or a war when he gets home. We have no way to warn those outside about the giant, and do not know how quickly the traps will reset. I have invisibility purge prepared, tell me when I am in range and I will cast it.
Held Action - Cast Invisibility Purge
ooc: Since others already posted and did not chase the giant I am thinking 1 round (this round) to look around and grab stuff and then we chase after the giant.
The seal is broken, the amphorae open, for weal or for woe, or for both...(Co-DM JonathanT) Saturday January 31st, 2015 4:28:23 PM
DM JT OOC: I forgot to mention the Fire Giant's move last round. He vanishes up the stairwell.
Beri wonders if the traps reset of if the giant disabled them somehow.
Restlin helps Sesha up grinning and helps brush dust off her. Pacing the room, he proposes that may be the Fire Giant wasn't a 'Fire Giant' after all and that maybe they've let loose something terrible on the wold. Now free of hindrances, he searches the room for any other things they haven't noticed yet.
Garret shrugs at the runes and helps Restlin check for exits, panels, etc.
Katinka throws her hands up in the air and looks at Restlin. She's sure they will see the fire giant again. She examines the amphorae and the lid.
Seshaglares at Resltin, angrily explaining that some ancient magic must have tripped her up. She also inspects the lid, looking for a way to add something of it as a spell component. However Tink thinks Sesha plans to return the lid to the people who made it.
Bosk struggles with the rest of the amphorae and suggests they get on with it in case they are needed outside, not to mention the traps getting reset before they leave.
A search of the room reveals no other exits. Katinka verifies that the amphorae and lid no longer radiate magic. Whatever the magic was must have been destroyed when the seal was broken and the lid removed. She also notices that the Rune Floor still radiates magic as before despite Sesha flopping over it. She has a moment to spare and concentrates on the Rune Floor. She quickly realizes that the runes are illusory.
She also notices an arcane mark on the top of the lid.
The lid is all in one piece and pretty large and heavy for a spell component. Sesha looks it over and wonders if she scraped some lead into a small pouch if that would do. Lead is lead, so whater spell uses lead...
The three sets of pillars glow magical and slighly more stronger. It could be they recharge in an hour or in a day.
Deep down where they are they hear no commotion from the desert surface.
Although Bosk could probably manage on his own in the end, he could probably use some help if they still want to take the lead amphorae to the surface.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+11=14 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=14 ; Sunday February 1st, 2015 11:24:52 PM
Tink tries to allay any fears of combat on the surface "If my suspicions are correct, the giant will be flying up the stairs and past everyone on the surface invisibly. They will likely have no idea he is there, or was here"
The lid of the amphorae looks to be the only thing with any markings. "Restlin? Sesha? Did you notice this mark?"
Knowl checks to try and ID the mark on the lid... Arcana: 14 History: 30 Nobility: 23 Religion: 14
"If we have no other business here, perhaps we should leave before the statues have a chance to recharge?"
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 d20+21=39 ; Monday February 2nd, 2015 10:07:02 AM
Ooc: sorry guys, weather has been awful this last week and my net has been spotty.
kyan shrugs as the giant apparently flies past and move into the room to poke about.
perception: 39 to search for hidden doors and the like.
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Monday February 2nd, 2015 7:41:28 PM Please tell me that rune isn't some kind of curse..
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 d20+26=39 ; Monday February 2nd, 2015 8:08:53 PM
Knowledge Arcana: 39 - What's that mark under the lid?
"Nope, didn't see that earlier, Tink. Let's have a look now. Unless someone finds something else interesting in this room, let's get out of here."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Monday February 2nd, 2015 8:50:59 PM
Garret says, "Should someone run ahead to check on those on the surface? Or fly ahead?"
He turns to Bosk and continues, "That thing looks pretty heavy. I could try and help if it's too much for you."
OOC: Garret is a halfling with a 12 str, so I'm not sure he can actually help, but he's willing to assist, even if it's just a little!
Trellus (AC27/13t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Monday February 2nd, 2015 9:18:00 PM
Trellus moves up to assist Bosk. "I can help you with that for a little over a minute," he tells the taur. "So, when we get moving, we'll need to move fast."
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Monday February 2nd, 2015 9:32:52 PM
The Horned Cleric thanks Trellus, and Garret for the help and shifts the vase so it can be more easily carried by the group. Once everyone is together Bosk nods. We need to get to the surface as soon as possible. Lets go. he then starts moving up the stairs as quickly as possible.
Sesha considers what Tink said, and decides not to bother bluffing. Instead, she just smiles and nods. Relieved that she wasn't blasted by the runes, she does have a small concern.
"If he -was- so powerful that he needed to be kept in a jar, it's possible that he would have been able to watch us through a spell of some kind. I use a jar spell sometimes, but it's a tad more sinister I think because..."
Sesha trails off with a smile and a shrug, then finally notices how heavy the amorphae lid. She "drops it" once or twice, enough to grab a small piece for her component pouch, then puts the rest of it in her haversack.
"I think we should hurry upstairs."
Back to the surface, and the heat, oh yeah, the heat. (Co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 12:53:35 AM katinka suggests not to worry about the Yngvardians up on the surface as the giant probably flew invisibly right by them without their notice. About the Arcane Mark, it is the typical type a wizard uses to make a personal mark on something. Detect Magic usually reveals the actual owner of the mark. Making a copy of that and showing it to an Yngvardian might be helpful in determining what the nature of the imprisonment was if they can identify who, from the past century, put the mark there.
With that in mind, she's ready to head to the surface before the traps recharge.
Despite Kyan's net being spotty [ :) ] he helps look for hidden doors and the like.
Beri, either serious or in ironic tone, says 'Please tell me that rune isn't some kind of curse.'
Restlin confirms what Katinka notices about the mark and is ready to leave as well.
Garret offers to help Bosk carry the 5' tall lead amphorae. Is he joking or serious? Probably both. Every little bit helps, even if only psychologically.
Trellus puts some muscle into the effort to take the lead amphorae back to the surface.
Bosk is grateful for all the help that is offered and takes the heavier end. The three start making tracks to the stairway.
Sesha drops any further attempt to bluff her way through her little 'incident', just being glad she wasn't blasted by the runes. Lesser intrepid folk would have avoided the room, after suffering the traps, and never known the runes were false. Here concern turns to the Fire Giant himself and his power, remembering a spell she knows that can do much the same that appears to have been done here.
Determined to have a 'piece' of the lid, she manages to get some the hard way, by dropping it several times and getting everyone else worried that maybe at least one floor rune may have been real, a Rune of Clumsiness. The lid then slips into her haversack for easier transport.
Thus the IA return to the surface, and the heat. By-golly-ge-wizz how much cooler it was down there!
They find the Yngvardians off over to the side some 100' yards away busy with a burial detail. They really hadn't been all that long down there. A couple of the Yngvardian's are busy taking down the tents.
Captain Alrik strides over to the group and asks, "Well, what did you find? What's that smell? Scorched fur or something?"
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 2:23:19 AM
Tink isn't sure about revealing exactly what occurred underground. What if the giant was imprisoned by the Yngvardians? She elects to play it a bit coy.
"Er, any idea why there would be what looked like a Fire Giant prince buried down there? Abdul Abdul Mahmaluk? And we also found a strange symbol down there. Do you still have that lid handy, Sesha?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 8:18:30 AM
Restlin will cast detect magic when he realizes what that mark is. He'll relay to the group who the caster was, in the hopes that his name will ring some bells.
Trellus (AC27/15t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 7:26:27 PM
Grunting with the effort, the blond man helps wrestle the unwieldy lead vase up the stairway. True, Bosk takes most of the load, but Trellus does his level best to help as much as he can.
At the top, man blinks in the sudden sunlight. The heat registers, but he doesn't seem bothered by it.
Katinka begins her verbal parrying with her latest opponent, and Trellus leans against the amphorae, awaiting the result.
-------------- Spells in effect: - Magic Vestment (Extended) on shield and armor. Duration 26 hrs, +3 enhancement bonus each - Endure Elements. Duration 24 hours. No fortitude checks needed for hot environment. - Status (Extended) on Katinka, Garret, Bosk, and Beriothian. Duration 26 hrs. - Telepathic Bond (from Katinka) - Katinka, Sesha, Beriothian, and Restlin. Duration 1.9 hrs - Spell Resistance - SR 25. Duration 10 minutes
Spell List: Highlight to display spoiler: { d - domain spell ^ - recast using pearl of power * - cast
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+27=28 ; d20+19=21 ; Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 9:00:01 PM Checks just in case: Perception : 28 - Nat1 Sense Motive: 21 - Nat2. Wow.
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 9:05:05 PM
Beri glances an Bosk's fur, a few spots looking slightly darker than normal. More scorched fur than we tend to like... it turns out when people go out of their way to hid a secret hallway they really don't want people just walking down it.
As for what we found... it's hard to say. I'm not really sure how much of what we saw was real.
DM JT: fixed the bold type.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] d20+22=34 ; Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 9:06:03 PM
As the group steps outside, Garret scrambles to the front to check for tracks, thinking that even if he were invisible, a giant should leave some nice tracks in the sand (Perception: 34).
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 9:44:07 PM
Bosk quickly looks around, and is glad that there does not appear to be any trouble topsoil. Turning to the others he asks, Does anyone see out Fiery friend?
As they head up the stairs and back into the sun, Sesha can't help but notice that Beri is still somewhat burnt.
"That looks kind of painful Beri, need a little help?"
Back to the surface, and the heat, oh yeah, the heat. (Co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday February 4th, 2015 12:22:38 AM katinka isn't sure how much to reveal of what went on down below, considering the possibility that the Fire Giant may have been imprisoned by the Yngvardians. She asks if they have any idea why a 'Fire Giant' would be buried under the monument and gives the name Abdul Abdul Mahmaluk. She shows the captain the arcane mark.
Restlin copies the runes down down once his Detect magic reveals them. With that, they Yngvardian sages may be able to come up with something.
Trellus grunts and heaves up the stairwell. Leaning against the amphorae, he watches Katinka dance around the delicate subject of a Fire Giant. He's used to the heat by now and takes it in stride.
Beri explains, without really explaining, the smell of burned fur and comments on whether what they saw was actually real.
DM JT: BTW, the figure of the Fire Giant held its position immobile for a while then winked out. It turned out to be a Permanent Image spell, thus giving off sound, heat, and movement like the real thing as long as the creator concentrated on it. The Invisible Fire Giant, hiding inside a Permanent Image of a Fire Giant was quite a clever trick. The real Fire Giant could speak and not actually give himself away. And if the image was touched, it would seem the image was 'real' and very hard to detect since you actually would be touching the invisible one.
Garret, thinking way ahead, immediately starts looking for tracks. A thing that big would have to leave big indentations, wouldn't it?
Bosk, like Garret, is on the lookout for the Fire Giant, glad that so far, he seems to have not acted upon the Yngvardian scout patrol. He asks those of his group that can see invisible things if they spot him and readies a spell to counteract the invisibility.
Sesha notices that Beri still sports some cuts and bruises from earlier and offers to help mend him some.
The rest of the Yngvardians drop what they are doing and join the captain to hear the IA's story. None can verify any knowledge of a Fire Giant associated with the monument and head inside to study the murals, at least what's left of them. Time and the elements take their toll and much of the murals have been scrapped clean by sandblasting.
"We tried hard over the years to keep our monuments up but the desert is fierce and any fixed building is doomed. We figured the best way to preserve it was to let the sands bury it," the captain explains.
The murals clearly depict a battle strewn across a wide, open grassy land. One prominent embossed figure stands out and Captain Alrik proudly explains that this is General Gaulik, a chieftain's son who had fled to the mountains as a young boy when the Yngvardians were first subjugated by the Gaeli. He came back years later with a Divine purpose to free his people and did just that.
"It is a long story we can tell later. For this battle, he fought and defeated the Gaeli general, but he's not depicted here. At least I've never noticed him. We just grew up knowing about the battle and left it at that."
The amphorae, lid and mark mean nothing him but their Pasha's sages should be able to look into it back at the Pasha's camp.
Garret does not see any tracks, but then he remembers that Katinka had said that the invisible Fire Giant had flown down the hall. Presumably he kept flying on out across the desert. None spot any invisible Fire Giant lurking around, but then, the high sand dunes can easily hide a Fire Giant. If he wanted to get away and remain unseen, it would be a piece of camel patty.
katinka is confident the captain, and his scouts, tell the truth of what they know.
Captain Alrik addresses Katinka, as she seems to be the spokesperson for the group. "These events here need to be reported to the Pasha. Typically we would head back to camp and do so, however, if we could stay out here and search for any Gaeli coming to check on the progress here, that would be great. Do you mind doing this for us? I'm sure the Pasha would want to meet you anyway, and Trellus knows the way. You can take these things and show them to the Pasha and maybe get some answers there."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +14/+6/+11 CMD: 23 HP: 96/96 (Spells) Luck Points: 9/9 Wednesday February 4th, 2015 8:22:26 AM
Restlin slaps Trellus on the back. "Well, you heard the man. Take me to your leader! Maybe these sages can tell us the story that giant didn't feel like sharing.
"Darn shame about that. We came a long way for answers and all we've found so far is sand and more questions...and Trellus, obviously. You seem like a decent sort. Anyway, let's get moving!"
Kyan (JonL) HP: 150/137 AC: 29/17/24 CMD: 32 Wednesday February 4th, 2015 8:42:37 AM
"Might be best if one of your flying sorts did a high circuit of the area just to check for anyone else coming like he said. Not much sense in Us trudging through the sand to do it f you can cover more ground and get a better view up there." Kyan chips in.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday February 4th, 2015 8:54:13 AM "That seems like a fair plan, Captain. Is there anything we can do to aid you before we depart? Do your men have enough food and water? Is anyone in need of medical aid?"
"Might as well leave in the good books" Tink resolves.
"And one further thing, if you don't mind. I'm sure the Pasha - as you call him - would want to meet us, but just so it is clear that we are indeed friendly, might I ask that you sign a piece of parchment for me indicating we do see the Pasha with your blessing? I'd hate for there to be any misunderstanding once we arrived, and showing something with your authority may help ease our introductions" Tink will gladly retrieve a piece of parchment from her pack for the Captain to sign. Better safe than sorry.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:38/34/32 HP:125/112 Ki:12/13 CMD: 33] Wednesday February 4th, 2015 2:07:17 PM
Garret slaps himself in the forehead when he remembers that the giant was flying and wouldn't be leaving any tracks. Instead, he walks around a bit, looking at the remains and how the sand has blasted through the rock of the buildings.
Trellus (AC27/15t/25f, HP 128/128, CMD 22, SR25) Wednesday February 4th, 2015 8:06:34 PM
Trellus shakes his head and chuckles at Katinka's request.
"Dude, I'm the parchment, I've been a guest of the Pasha for over a year. I vouch for you, and its all waxed"
"And you," he responds playfully to Restin, "obviously don't know me very well."
The man points off in a direction. "Its that way. Oh, and I got an Endure Elements spell left if anyone needs serious help with the heat." .... which probably explains why he's not sweating like a pig right now.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 20 -- HP 106/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday February 4th, 2015 8:29:05 PM
Tink smiles at Trellus. She wasn't sure whether Trellus had met the leader of the Yngvardians, but obviously having been in this land for so long, well, it must have been inevitable "Excellent then, Trellus. I wasn't sure that you would be comfortable leaving the Yngvardians here and venturing with us. But you would be most certainly welcome to travel with us"
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 98/130 CMD = 19 Wednesday February 4th, 2015 9:34:19 PM
Beri thanks Sesha for her kindness Thanks, I got a little roughed up and with a fire giant wandering around it's better safe than sorry.
Does anybody need some fresh water before we head out? I don't know how long the trip is, but it's pretty safe to assume it will be a hot road ahead of us.
Sesha touches Beri lightly, casting a domain spell for healing wounds.
(Recover 7 * 1.5^ = 11 hp)
"You might be better off saving your spell, Trellus. Blood Witches find some magic easier than others, and that spell is something I can cast without any real effort."
With that, she will renew any Endure Elements as necessary.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Thursday February 5th, 2015 12:02:02 AM
Bosk sets the heave urn down as he scans the ares for anything that might indicate a giant passed by. Turning to Captain Alrik he asks, Do you know of any giant settlements around here? The giant spoke of being a prince and possibly now King of his people. It is possible they will retaliate for his years of imprisonment. I would recommend keeping your guard up.
Bosk AC: 33/16/29 CMD:28 103 of 103 Spells Thursday February 5th, 2015 12:03:00 AM
ooc: Is there anyone still in need of healing? If so, Bosk will heal them.
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